We like big butts and we cannot lie… The rhinoceros has one of the biggest and cutest booties on the planet! Seriously, if you thought you loved Corgi booty, you must check out rhino booty. Rhinos can weigh up to three tons (that's a big butt!), despite having a vegetarian diet. These seemingly prehistoric beasts born with their own armor and weapons may always look ready for a fight, but rarely do they use them. Only exhibiting true aggression when a potential threat is perceived, these gentle giants graze savannas and tropical forests with unmatched serenity.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
As you may already know, the rhinoceroses we know and love are critically endangered. One organization in Kenya is desperately trying to stop this from happening: Ol Pejeta Conservancy. This conservancy’s primary mission is to preserve wildlife and provide sanctuary to a diverse collection of animals.
Generating most of its income through wildlife tourism, Ol Pejeta has become the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and is home to the last two remaining northern white rhinos on Earth. You may have heard its name in the news recently, as it was home to the last male northern white rhino, Sudan.
The Last Male
Captured at age two, Sudan lived a long and incredible life escaping extinction. His wild spirit brought about three calves, Nabire, Najin, and a third who was born prematurely and did not survive. His only remaining daughter, Najin had a daughter of her own with Sudan, named Fatu. Sadly due to age-related complications, the decision was made to euthanize Sudan on March 18, 2018, leaving Najin and Fatu as the last two northern white rhinos on this planet.
Using Modern Science to Save an Ancient Species
Now, the race is on to save the northern white rhino subspecies. With Sudan’s genetic material saved, scientists have been working diligently to develop in vitro fertilization techniques (IVF) for the rhinoceros species. With successful steps already being made in this IVF research, Ol Pejeta is now preparing a herd of six southern white rhino surrogates that will carry northern white rhino embryos to term. With the entire sub-species at stake, it is up to mankind and these six wonderful animals to keep the northern white rhino alive.
How Can You Help?
Please join us in the fight to keep these beautiful, gentle beings on the planet by donating directly to Ol Pejeta Conservancy here or purchasing any of our rhino products. We will be donating 20 percent of the proceeds of each rhino product to Ol Pejeta to help support their admirable research and other conservation work to help save these animals in memory of Sudan.
Learn more about the rhinos and other species being protected at Ol Pejeta on its website. They truly do incredible conservation work and deserve our support!
-Wild(her) & Wild(him)